the president, former president george w. bush, and their wives leave aboard air force one this morning for johannesburg. >> reporter: a vigil for the father of the nation. since news of nelson mandela's death broke, south africans have flocked to his house around the clock to pay their final respects. >> he was a hero. >> reporter: across the country, south africans are comforting themselves and each other by embracing mandela's spirit of love and devotion. >> i came to pay my last respects to our father. he's everything. >> to keep his legacy going we need to keep living what he set out for us. >> it is so special. beautiful. >> reporter: mandela was remembered with a national day of prayer and reflection. ex-wife winnie mandela joined south africa's president, jacob zuma, at a church service. >> for all of us, the nation and friends of south africa of madiba come together to pray for him. >> reporter: at another service, mandela's great grandson spoke for so many. >> yes, we are in mourning but what is most important is to